Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release February 25, 2016

DOCARE OFFICERS JOIN FEDERAL PARTNERS
FOR OCEAN EDUCATION EVENT
Weekend Event Focuses on Marine Protected Species & Fishing Rules

(Kahului, Maui) – DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers will be at two Maui boat ramps this weekend to help teach ocean users about humpback whales, monk seals, sea turtles, and other marine protected species.

DOCARE officers will be joined by staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Coast Guard on February 27th and 28^th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at both Kihei and Mala boat ramps.  Officers will also be at these same locations and times on March 5^th and 6^th.  Officers will also be able to answer questions on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, bottom fishing rules and state fishing rules.

“DOCARE and NOAA have a Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) that deputizes state enforcement officers to enforce federal fisheries and protected species laws.  This partnership  provides federal funding to DOCARE to help increase public awareness and enforcement efforts in areas of mutual responsibility.” said Tommy Friel, DOCARE Chief.

For more information, please contact the Maui Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at (808) 873-3990.

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Media Contact:

Dan Dennison
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Senior Communications Manager
Office of the Chairperson-Communications Office
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0407

[email protected]